As the NBA braces for what’s expected to be a busy offseason, there is arguably no bigger name than Giannis Antetokounmpo. There’s been plenty of speculation on if Antetokounmpo could end up on the trade market due to the Bucks’ current roster situation.
But ESPN’s Brian Windhorst threw cold water on the trade rumors. There have already been reports that the Antetokounmpo market has cooled despite rumors, and that appears to be the case.
“Right now, there is no Giannis Antetokounmpo trade market,” Windhorst said. “There is no Giannis Antetokounmpo trade discussions. He has not asked for it. The Bucks are not looking to trade him.”
Antetokounmpo, 30, is at the height of his powers and put together another stellar season in Milwaukee, finishing third in MVP voting. But the Bucks’ roster construction has been a mess recently, plus Damian Lillard’s ruptured Achilles tendon added to the franchise’s uncertainty.
While the Bucks won the 2021 NBA Finals with Antetokounmpo as the NBA Finals MVP, they haven’t made it past the second round since then. They’ve lost in the first round in the past three seasons and the roster doesn’t look ready to compete even with Antetokounmpo putting up MVP-level numbers.
That’s where all the trade speculation has come throughout the summer with multiple teams interested in the two-time MVP’s services. Naturally, Antetokounmpo would lead to a haul of assets between draft picks and talented players. But it doesn’t sound like the Bucks are making him available in trade talks based on the reporting.
Antetokounmpo has voiced how much he enjoys playing in Milwaukee, plus he did bring the franchise its first title since 1971. For now, it’s looking like the Bucks will keep their homegrown star while reloading their roster.